An investigative reporter for a St. Louis news station purchased 400-500 lbs of straight ammonium nitrate from two dealerships in Missouri. One other dealer refused to sell. The news story has aired and will once again put security procedures at agribusinesses in the spotlight and reignite the call for regulation of ammonium nitrate purchases.
We can't stress enough that when it comes to the sale of ammonium nitrate or urea fertilizer, YOU MUST KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER. You should immediately report any attempt by unknown persons to purchase nitrate fertilizers and take note of the vehicle, their appearance, etc. In this case, the investigative reporter presented false forms of identification at all three retail facilities.
OABA is working with Alcohol Tobacco Firearms Explosives (ATFE) and other agribusiness associations across the country to help communicate to fertilizer dealers the importance of proper security procedures. Please be aware and do your part!
Thanks to our sister association, the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association, for sharing this information with us.